The Dresdner Philharmonie and Marek Janowski present a recording of Antonín Dvořák’s Stabat Mater, together with the MDR Leipzig Radio Choir, Hanna-Elisabeth Müller (soprano), Roxana Constantinescu (mezzo-soprano), Christian Elsner (tenor) and Tareq Nazmi (bass). In terms of scope and duration, Dvořák’s Stabat Mater is the largest setting of this sacred text to date. Likely inspired by the tragic death of all his three children – in the timespan of just two years – the work is heartrending, yet establishes a gradual path from darkness to light, from despair to peace and hope; ascetic and restrained, yet full of suspense. This recording, made in connection to a live performance commemorating the bombing of Dresden, offers a rendition that never drags, avoids excessive sentimentality, and is all the more moving as a result.

Marek Janowski is one of the most celebrated conductors of our time and has a vast PENTATONE discography, chiefly consisting of German operas and symphonic works. From 2019 to 2023 he was Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of the Dresdner Philharmonie. Dvořák’s Stabat Mater is his seventh PENTATONE recording with this orchestra, with whom he recently released Schubert’s Unfinished and Great Symphonies (2023), Schumann’s complete symphonies (2024), as well as Haydn’s Die Schöpfung (2024). The MDR Leipzig Radio Choir also appeared on that recording, has frequently featured on other PENTATONE recordings and starred on Bruckner Haydn Motets (2021) and Mendelssohn Choral Works (2023).

The Dresdner Philharmonie
Marek Janowski, conductor
MDR Leipzig Radio Choir
Hanna-Elisabeth Müller (soprano)
Roxana Constantinescu (mezzo-soprano)
Christian Elsner (tenor)
Tareq Nazmi (bass)

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